Quick Laser Modification Kit

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention provide a quick laser modification kit capable of being coupled to a weapon with a trigger. The kit can include a controller and a switch mechanism coupled to the controller. The switch mechanism is capable of being actuated through actuation of the trigger of the weapon. The kit can also include a mounting system and a laser coupled to the weapon via the mounting system. The laser is activated by the controller in one of a single pulse and multiple pulses when the switch mechanism is actuated.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/217,528 filed on Jun. 1, 2009, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

To save ammunition costs for target practice, simulation shooting systems including a laser gun and a screen have been developed in the past. When a trigger is pulled, the laser gun can “shoot” a laser beam on a target displayed on the screen. A computer processor of the simulation shooting system can determine if the target was “hit”. Typically, the laser gun is specific for each simulation shooting system. Also, the laser gun often does not mimic a real weapon because its weight, weight distribution, and additional characteristics may be different from the real weapon. As a result, many benefits of the target practice can be compromised or even eliminated.

Some shooting systems include a real weapon which has been modified to include a laser in order to provide a more realistic feel during practice, and thus, increase the benefit of the target practice. The modifications are typically extensive and time-consuming. For example, some modifications include pneumatic bolt retraction assistance. As a result, the real weapons cannot be regularly transformed back and forth for target practice and actual use in real situations. Therefore, the benefit of saving cost on ammunition is counteracted by the fact that the real weapon is effectively permanently transformed into a practice weapon.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the invention provide a quick laser modification kit capable of being coupled to a weapon with a trigger. The kit can include a controller and a switch mechanism coupled to the controller. The switch mechanism is capable of being actuated through actuation of the trigger of the weapon. The kit can also include a mounting system and a laser coupled to the weapon via the mounting system. The laser can also be coupled to the controller and is activated by the controller in one of a single pulse and multiple pulses when the switch mechanism is actuated.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a quick laser modification kit according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a quick laser modification kit, according to one embodiment of the invention, attached to a weapon.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a switch mechanism for use with the quick laser modification kit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the switch mechanism of FIG. 3 attached to a weapon.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view a quick laser modification kit according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective front and rear views, respectively of a switch mechanism for use with the quick laser modification kit of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an electric wiring diagram of a quick laser modification kit according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an electric wiring diagram of a quick laser modification kit according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a quick laser modification kit 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The kit 10 can include a laser 12, a magazine 14, and a switch mechanism 16. The magazine 14 can at least partially enclose or support a circuit board 18 and a power supply 20. Wiring 22 can connect the power supply 20 to the circuit board 18. The circuit board 18 can include a controller 24 and, if necessary, other electronic equipment associated with the kit 10. The power supply 20 can provide power to the controller 24 and the laser 12. The switch mechanism 16 can be electrically connected to the controller 24 by a cable 26. The laser 12 can be electrically connected to the controller 24 by an extendable cable 28.

In some embodiments, the laser 12 can emit a laser beam, as controlled by the controller 24. The laser 12 can be an adjustable laser and can include a first adjustment knob 30 and a second adjustment knob 32. The first adjustment knob 30 can vary a horizontal direction of the laser beam and the second adjustment knob 32 can vary a vertical direction of the laser beam. The first adjustment knob 30 and the second adjustment knob 32 can enable rapid and accurate sighting of the laser beam emitted by the laser 12. In some embodiments, the first adjustment knob 30 and/or the second adjustment knob 32 can be replaced by multiple set screws (not shown) or other conventional adjustment devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates a mounting system 34 according to one embodiment of the invention. The mounting system 34 can allow the laser 12 to be substantially coupled to a barrel 36, a Picatinny rail, a Weaver rail, or a similar rail of a weapon 38 (e.g., rifle, pistol, shotgun, small arm, or another ordnance). The mounting system 34 can substantially couple the laser 12 to the weapon 38, for example, via a quick connect 40 with clips, permanent magnets, and/or other suitable connectors. In some embodiments, the quick connect 40 can couple the laser 12 to the weapon 38 without the necessity of removing any accessories, such as optical viewing aids, silencers, bipods, etc. In some embodiments, the mounting system 34 can contain the laser 12 within a first tube, located inside a second, larger tube, with an air gap in between (not shown). The air gap can allow the first tube with the laser 12 to move up and down, or left and right by adjustment of the first adjustment knob 30 and/or the second adjustment knob 32. The first tube and the second tube can be constructed of aluminum or similar materials.

FIG. 3 illustrates the switch mechanism 16 according to one embodiment of the invention. The switch mechanism 16 can include a housing 42. In one embodiment, the housing 42 can be a substantially U-shaped rubber boot including an opening 44 and a faceplate 46. A user can actuate the faceplate 46 to close the switch mechanism 16 and release the faceplate 46 to open the switch mechanism 16 (e.g., similar to actuating a trigger of the weapon 38). In some embodiments, the faceplate 46 can be spring loaded.

FIG. 4 illustrates the switch mechanism 16 coupled to a trigger 48 of the weapon 38 according to one embodiment of the invention. The switch mechanism 16 can be coupled to the trigger 48 through the opening 44 or in another conventional way (e.g., press-fit, using fasteners, etc.). The switch mechanism 16 can be configured for installation on substantially any trigger 48. In some embodiments, the switch mechanism 16 can be coupled to the trigger 48 independent of an installation location of other components of the kit 10. In some embodiments, the switch mechanism 16 can be actuated with a much smaller force than the trigger 48. Also, in some embodiments, the switch mechanism 16 can be activated with little or no movement of the trigger 48. The switch mechanism 16 can be sensitive enough that it does not require un-do force for a user to simulate a shot with the weapon 38 (e.g., so that the user's aim is not changed for real-time use) and can require more than a brush of the user's finger to be activated (i.e., so that a shot is not produced prematurely).

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B, the switch mechanism 16 can include a tact switch 47 encased in aluminum housing 49. The housing 49 can be mounted to a receiver of the weapon 38 using set screws and can be positioned behind the trigger 48 on the weapon 38. The amount of travel in the trigger 48 can be enough that when the switch mechanism 16 is located behind it, the rearward motion of the trigger 48 can activate the switch mechanism 16 (and more specifically, the tact switch 47). In some embodiments, the switch mechanism 16 can be actuated with minimal movement of the trigger 48. The housing 49 can securely hold the tact switch 47 in place, and, in some embodiments, due to the structural design of the weapon 38, the trigger 48 cannot over-travel and damage the switch mechanism 16.

The magazine 14 can be coupled to the weapon 38 via a receiver 50 (e.g., a magazine well) of the weapon 38. In some embodiments, the magazine 14 can replace an ammunition magazine of the weapon 38. For example, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the magazine 14 is sized to replace an ammunition magazine of an M16 or M4 rifle. Also, in some embodiments, the magazine 14 can be similar in weight to the ammunition magazine of the weapon 38. As a result, the balance of the weapon 38 during real-time use can be substantially maintained with the kit 10 attached so use of the kit 10 generally does not change handling features of the firearm, but still simulates the presence of a full ammunition magazine attached. In some embodiments, the magazine 14 can block a bolt of the weapon 38 and can prevent ammunition from entering a breech of the weapon 38 for increased safety during practice use.

FIG. 7 illustrates a wiring diagram 52 of the kit 10 according one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the kit 10 can include the controller 24 electrically connected to the laser 12, the switch mechanism 16, a power switch 54, a resistor 56, a capacitor 58, a transistor 60, and a switch 62. The resistor 56 and the capacitor 58 can form an RC circuit, which can be used to introduce a delay between the activation of the switch mechanism 16 and the “firing” of the laser 12. The delay can be adjustable based on the resistance and the capacitance of each RC circuit. The controller 24 can use the transistor 60 as a pass-through to supply power from the power supply 20 to the laser 12. In one embodiment, the power supply 20 can be a type CR123A 3-volt battery. The controller 24 can activate, or illuminate, the laser 12, upon activation of the switch mechanism 16, to emit a laser beam.

In addition, the switch 62 can activate the laser 12 independent of the activation of the switch mechanism 16 and/or the controller 24. In some embodiments, the switch 62 can be used to calibrate the laser 12 using the first adjustment knob 30 and/or the second adjustment knob 32. Also, in some embodiments, the switch 62 can be used for troubleshooting of the kit 10 (e.g. to test a strength of the power supply 20).

FIG. 8 illustrates a wiring diagram 64 of the kit 10 according to another embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 24 can include an integrated circuit with a dual monostable multivibrator 66 (e.g., Part No. M74HC221B1, manufactured by SGS Thompson Microelectronics, among others) and a 555 timing circuit 68 (e.g., Part No. LMC555, manufactured by National Semiconductor). In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the controller 24 can be electrically connected to a mode switch 70. A user can change a position of the mode switch 70 between a semi-automatic setting, a burst setting, and an automatic setting. Depending on the position of the mode switch, the controller 24 can illuminate the laser 12 a single time for every activation of the switch mechanism 16, three substantially consecutive laser pulses for every activation of the switch mechanism 16, or a constant stream of laser pulses for every activation of the switch mechanism 16. This can allow the kit 10 to simulate semi-automatic, burst, or automatic weapons. The pulse-rate of the bursts can be similar to that of standard weapons and can be adjustable in some embodiments. Also, a duration of each pulse can be adjusted. In one embodiment, the duration of each pulse can be about 21 milliseconds. In addition, the number of bursts emitted during actuation of the trigger can be set to a fixed capacity to realistically simulate use of a real ammunition magazine with the weapon 38.

In other embodiments, the controller 24 can include other suitable electronic components to activate the laser 16, either in single, burst, or multiple pulses, in response to actuation of the switch mechanism 16. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), the controller 24 can include an ATmega16 microcontroller (manufactured by Atmel Corporation®).

In some embodiments, a length and/or an intensity of the laser beam emitted by the laser 12 can be adjusted. In one embodiment, a wavelength of the laser beam emitted can be around 850 nanometers (i.e., in the infrared spectrum) with a power of about 5 milli-Watts. In some embodiments, the controller 24 can be re-programmed to comply with additional simulation shooting systems, change from an automatic-type laser beam emission to a semi-automatic-type laser beam emission, adjust a pulse-rate of the laser beam bursts during the automatic-type laser beam emission (e.g., to simulate correct firing characteristics of the weapon 38), etc.

In some embodiments, the kit 10 can be a versatile modification kit not requiring substantially any modifications to the weapon 38 itself. To install the kit 10, the ammunition magazine of the weapon 38 can be removed from the receiver 50 and replaced with magazine 14. If the weapon 38 does not include a receiver 50 for an ammunition magazine (for example, if the weapon 38 is a revolver), the power supply 20 and/or the controller 24 can be attached to the weapon 38 in another suitable manner. The laser 12 can be coupled to the weapon 38 using the mounting system 34 and the switch mechanism 16 can be attached to or near the trigger 48. The kit 10 can be operational after the power switch 54 has been turned on.

In some embodiments, the kit 10 can be attached to the weapon 38 in under two minutes. In some embodiments, the kit 10 can be attached in seconds. To remove the kit 10, the laser 12 and the switch mechanism 16 can be detached and the magazine 14 can be replaced with the ammunition magazine of the weapon 38. The weapon 38 can be substantially fully operational for real use thereafter. As a result, the kit 10 can be transportable with, or separate from the weapon 38. The easy transportability and quick assembly and disassembly capabilities of the kit 10 can allow users to use their actual weapon 38 with the kit 10 to train on a specific mission at or near the actual mission location before executing it. Training in situations with real weapons can enhance real-time decision-making abilities of the users. In addition, because the kit 10 can be coupled to the weapon 38 without disassembling the weapon 38 or removing any of the weapon's attachments, the weapon's zero will be substantially unaffected by the addition or removal of the kit 10, therefore minimally or not affecting the user's aim during real-time use.

In some embodiments, the kit 10 can be a universal modification kit, which can be used with multiple simulation shooting systems. The kit 10 can be recognized by the simulation shooting systems. More specifically, different simulation shooting systems can recognize the laser beam emitted by the kit 10 and register a hit or a miss of a target being shot at with the weapon 38 using the kit 10. For example, the kit 10 can be used with a T2 Tactical Shooting Range Training System (sold by American Defense Systems, Inc.). As a result of being compatible with different simulation shooting systems, trainees do not need to buy entirely new systems, thus reducing the costs of implementing the kit 10 for training purposes. In addition, the kit 10 can substantially reduce training costs because it removes the need for practice ammunition, can allow for use in a location where a live-fire bullet trap is not available, and can provide an extra margin of safety for trainees unfamiliar with firearms and procedures.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the laser 12 can be positioned inside a barrel of the weapon 38. By centering the laser inside the bore (i.e., along the center-line of aim), a level of accuracy on target relative to the sights at varying distances can be maintained. The laser 12 can be activated by the controller 24 in the magazine 14 via, for example, conventional wireless communications.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims. 

1. A quick laser modification kit capable of being coupled to a weapon with a trigger, the kit comprising: a controller; a switch mechanism coupled to the controller, the switch mechanism capable of being actuated through actuation of the trigger of the weapon; a mounting system; and a laser coupled to the weapon via the mounting system and coupled to the controller, the laser being activated by the controller in one of a single pulse and multiple pulses when the switch mechanism is actuated. 